By 
I must admit that I am one of the many music fans who have been eagerly anticipating this reunion. It took them a long time to decide to reunite, and for whatever reason/s that made them decide that it’s finally time, us, those who have followed their musical journey through the years, have nothing to do except buy our tickets, go over their songs, plan our logistics, and just wait until February 17, 2024.
The reunion will feature the “classic” line-up of Bamboo Mañalac, Rico Blanco, Mark Escueta, and Nathan Azarcon. If you’re familiar with Rivermaya’s past, the absence of guitarist Perf de Castro is obvious in this lineup, and I’ve seen people question why. Although Live Nation, the reunion’s producer, and the band have yet to comment on this, the performance will proceed regardless. Bamboo and Rico have been able to pursue their own projects since leaving Rivermaya. Bamboo spent years with Bamboo (the band), where he was joined by Nathan, who also played bass and co-wrote songs with the group. To be honest, I am also looking forward to this reunion. If Rivermaya can pull it off, I feel Bamboo (the band) will not be far behind. Rico continued to make progress in the entertainment industry after leaving Rivermaya as its frontman, working as a singer, composer, running a talent management, and actor. He is also a well-known businessman who owns multiple enterprises in Metro Manila and San Juan, La Union. Nathan and Mark, along with guitarist and singer Mike Elgar, continue to compose and perform music as Rivermaya to date.
I’m sure everyone is looking forward to hearing hits like “214,” “Elesi,” “Ulan,” “Awit ng Kabataan,” and “Kisapmata,” to mention a few, performed by the reunited quartet, but I know these songs will be played because they each sing them individually as Bamboo, Rico, and the current Rivermaya. I too am excited to be singing along with them during their performance of these songs. However, I have compiled a wish list of five additional songs that I would like to witness and hear once more being sung live during the Rivermaya reunion. I attempted to provide a more objective justification for each song, rather than simply stating that it’s my personal preference. However, the truth is that I want to listen to these songs because I simply just genuinely like them. Please excuse the brevity of the explanation and simply give the songs a listen.
HILO
From their second album, Trip. I’m eager to hear Bamboo and Rico harmonizing in the chorus of this song, and for everyone to rock out on stage. One of their best songs that the four of them can go apeshit on. It’s a ballad, but a powerful one.
IF
Nathan wrote this love song. I remember him telling me who he wrote this for, and it made me love it even more. Aside from being one of the top bassists in the country, Nathan is also an excellent songwriter. He can write a heartfelt love song like this if he wants to, and Bamboo’s passionate performance is the cherry on top.
KUNG AYAW MO, HUWAG MO
I have developed an affinity for the harmonious combination of Bamboo and Rico’s voices. If you share this sentiment, you would appreciate this song to the fact that they sang the verses of this song together. It is also worth noting the precise and deliberate Bo Diddleyish-style drumming by Mark during the verses.
FLOWERS
While it is often discouraged to make comparisons between songs by different bands, my appreciation for the Australian band Silverchair led me to enjoy this particular song, as it bears resemblance to some of the slower tracks produced by the aforementioned Australian band. This song is about one of the band members’ sibling who was grieving the death of a loved one who was also a member of the family. “I wondered about how my baby sister processed the passing and the funeral of our dear grandfather,” says Rico, who wrote this song.
LUHA
Again, a song with the harmonizing voices of Rico and Bamboo. Only this time, Rico’s voice has a slight edge. If you want to listen to a slightly folk-ier song by Rivermaya accompanied by strings, I think this would be it. It reminds me of an Asin song. This is another piece written by Nathan.
Rivermaya: The Reunion will happen on February 17, 2024 at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Paranaque. Tickets are on sale at smtickets.com . You don’t want to miss this.
Denise J. Mallabo 